Characterization of the effect of REC on the compatibility of PHBH and PLA

This study reports the compatibility of the biobased polymers poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3- -hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA), as well as the effect of the addition of a reactive epoxy compatibilizer (REC) to the PHBH/PLA blend. The chemical structure, thermal performance, surface morphology and mechanical properties of the blends were measured using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic thermo-mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and impact and tensile testing. PHBH and PLA were partially compatible, and a PHBH/PLA mass ratio of 80:20 was selected for evaluation with an REC. The REC decreased the difference between the glass-transition temperatures of PHBH and PLA, decreased the particle size of the dispersed phase of the PHBH/PLA blend and produced uniform particle distribution. Moreover, the REC improved the elongation at break and impact strength of the PHBH/PLA blend. These results show that the addition of an REC improves the compatibility of PHBH and PLA.